25843, Ghent, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25843, Ghent, West Virginia is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.17 percent of the residents in 25843 has some form of health insurance. 36.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.43 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 25843 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 85 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25843. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 117 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,695 health care providers accessible to residents in 25843, Ghent, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score: Ghent, WV (ZIP Code 25843)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within the Ghent, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25843) area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, presented as a "Lung Cancer Score," considers several key factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform both patients and healthcare providers. This analysis will focus on primary care availability in Ghent and the physicians practicing within the specified ZIP code.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on a strong primary care infrastructure. In Ghent, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) significantly impacts early detection and referral pathways. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses, as patients may face longer wait times for appointments or struggle to establish a consistent relationship with a primary care provider. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for proactive screening and preventative care. Assessing this ratio is paramount in determining the overall score. Specific data on the precise PCP-to-patient ratio within 25843 would be critical for a truly accurate score. Information on the number of PCPs actively accepting new patients is also vital.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices plays a crucial role. This encompasses factors like the use of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient information sharing, and the integration of patient education resources. Practices demonstrating a commitment to these elements would receive a higher score. The presence of dedicated patient navigators, who can guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, is another key indicator of quality. Evaluating the accreditation status of local practices, such as those recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), can also serve as a proxy for quality.

Telemedicine, particularly in a rural setting like Ghent, offers a significant advantage. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialist consultations and follow-up care without extensive travel. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care providers within 25843 is a critical component of the score. Practices actively utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and patient education would be ranked more favorably. The availability of telehealth options for specialist consultations, such as pulmonologists or oncologists, is particularly important for lung cancer patients.

Mental health support is often overlooked but is an essential element of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health resources within the Ghent community, and the ease with which patients can access them, directly impacts the overall score. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology care. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as offering on-site counseling or readily available referrals, is a significant advantage.

Specific physician practices within 25843 warrant individual evaluation. Identifying standout practices that excel in the areas mentioned above is crucial. Practices that prioritize early detection through screening programs, utilize advanced diagnostic tools, and provide comprehensive patient support would receive higher marks. The experience and specialization of physicians within these practices are also important. Are there pulmonologists or oncologists practicing within or readily accessible to the area? Their presence significantly improves the score. Data on patient satisfaction, as measured through surveys or online reviews, can also inform the assessment of individual practices.

The lack of readily available, granular data presents a challenge in assigning a precise numerical "Lung Cancer Score." Publicly available information on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources is often limited. This necessitates a reliance on proxy measures, such as the presence of accredited practices, the availability of online patient portals, and the presence of local mental health services. The score would also benefit from incorporating data from local hospitals and healthcare systems that serve the 25843 area.

A detailed assessment would also involve examining the demographics of the population served by these practices. Understanding the prevalence of smoking, the age distribution, and the socioeconomic factors within the community can help tailor the assessment and identify specific needs. For example, a community with a high smoking prevalence would benefit from robust smoking cessation programs and aggressive screening initiatives.

Further, the analysis must consider the referral pathways available to patients. How quickly can patients be referred to specialists, such as pulmonologists or oncologists, for further evaluation and treatment? The efficiency of these referral processes is a critical determinant of patient outcomes. The presence of established relationships between primary care practices and specialist providers is a positive indicator.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Ghent, WV (25843) is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare. Regular updates, incorporating new data and changes in healthcare practices, are essential to maintain its relevance. The score should be used as a tool to identify areas for improvement and to guide patients in making informed decisions about their care.

To truly visualize and understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to mental health services, consider exploring the power of interactive mapping. CartoChrome maps can provide a visually compelling and data-rich representation of the healthcare landscape in Ghent, WV (25843). Use CartoChrome maps to explore the area and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available to you.